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Updated: May 28, 2025
That so much time had elapsed since the authorities must have been warned of our approach, that we should have advanced so near Rome and yet that this should be the first visible indication of espionage upon us, amazed both me and Agathemer. Next day, a cloudy but rainless day, we marched only to Rubrae, the change-station nearest Rome.
Agathemer argued that, if Maternus could find, in Rome, a bath where we could bathe without anyone so much as noticing our brand-marks and scourge-scars, he ought to be able to find in wicked, easy-going Marseilles a shop whose proprietor would ask no question except had we the cash.
"By all means be hopeful and cheerful," said Agathemer, "but stick to your present disguise and continue your present way of life until we are sure. Do not be rash." We consulted further and he said: "I'll keep away from you except when it seems imperative to talk with you. I shall not send any more letters than I must. Do not write to me.
Neither Agathemer nor I knew anything about bread-making. He tried, but merely wasted flour. And both of us hated the wearisome labor of grinding grain in either of the rough hand-mills which were in the store-house. He found a means of keeping us well fed, satisfied and looking forward to the next meal with pleasure.
"He is incredibly stupid in undervaluing and failing to prize his privileges as Emperor," I said, "and amazingly reckless in allowing anyone else to occupy his throne, wearing his robes." "He is yet more reckless to race as he does," Agathemer commented, "and I should not be astonished if we have seen his last public appearance as a charioteer." "Why?" I queried startled.
Agathemer, light built as he was, had wrenched a bludgeon from some Vedian and was wielding it not ineffectually. Hirnio was doing his part in the fighting like a gentleman and an expert. But Murmex and Tanno chiefly caught my eye. It was wonderful to see Tanno fight. Every swing of his pole cracked on a skull. Men fell about him by twos and threes, one on the other.
Agathemer could cut a two-foot oak log into suitable lengths with a minimum of effort, with clean, effective strokes of the ringing axe, the cuts sharp and even; I could cut any log into lengths and enjoyed the effort, but I sweated over it and laid half my strokes awry, so that the ends of my lengths were notched and unsightly. Also I broke five several axe-helves in the course of the winter.
"Hedulio led the bull into the pen, patted him on the neck and then turned his back on him and sauntered out of the pen, shutting the gate without hurry. "Chryseros ran to him, stumbling as he ran, fell on his knees, caught Hedulio's hand, and poured out a torrent of thanks." "Did all that really happen?" Tanno queried. "Precisely as I have told it." Agathemer affirmed.
Agathemer instantly replaced the iron in the brazier and turned, staring at me in silence. Instantly I had a revulsion of resolution, of obstinacy, of delirious rage. I reviled him. I commanded, I threatened. Coolly he bared his left shoulder, knelt by the brazier and made as if to brand himself.
We went up the steps and stood by the balustrade of the terrace, where it commanded a good view of the valley. We could see a party approaching, a mounted intendant in advance, a litter, extra bearers and runners and several baggage mules. "Nobody but Tanno would send me such a message," I said to Agathemer.
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